Ibadan Calm As Parliament Building Under Lock And Key

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Following the crisis that erupted yesterday as a result of the moves by sixteen members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, South-West Nigeria, to impeach the speaker, Honourable Moroof Olawale Atilola, both the entrance gate to the parliament building and the offices in the complex were under lock and key this morning.

No legislative member and the staff of the House of Assembly turned up for work today except the security operatives that reported to work.

This morning, as the parliament premises were deserted, a security officer told P.M.NEWS that none of the legislators reported to work contrary to when there was no problem when they resumed at 9am.

As at the time of filing this report, P.M.NEWS gathered that some of the hoodlums arrested in connection with the fracas have been released. Also, it was gathered that among those released were Alala, the driver to the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Taofeek Arapaja of Oyo State and Special Assistant on Youth to Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, Mr. Ismail.

The Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Bisi Okuwobi could not confirm the number of those released out of thirty hoodlums arrested but she confirmed that some persons have been released after the police have screened them and found out that they were not involved in the crisis.

Speaking with P.M.NEWS on telephone, the Majority Leader, Hon. Samuel A. Adejumobi representing Atisbo Saki East State Constituency stated that the last has not been heard about the crisis, adding that his group would not relent until the speaker is removed. According to him, if hoodlums disallowed them from sitting in the hallowed chambers to carry out the impeachment, they will sit elsewhere and carry out the impeachment because they have the majority.

Adejumobi stated that the speaker has committed enough impeachable offences that if he is honourable, he should resign his appointment, adding that he collaborated with others who  mis-ruled the state.

He said that if the speaker had allowed the legislators to do their job, there would not have been any scam for EFCC to investigate in the states, adding that the controlling power the legislators have over local government was not allowed to be exercised by the governor and the speaker.

“We will ensure that the speaker is removed. He does not have what it takes to lead. He should step aside for a capable person to lead the house,” he stated.

Among the people that were injured during yesterday’s mayhem, were Deputy Chief Whip, Honourable Nafiu Baale Lamidi representing Ibadan North East 11, Hon. Kayode Animasahun representing Ona-Ara who were stripped naked and Hon. Taoheed Ayorinde whose leg was broken when he jumped from the first floor of the parliament building.

Honourable Ayorinde is currently responding to treatment at the University College Hospital (UCH). It was gathered that he is likely going to be discharged today.

The 16 pro-impeachment lawmakers alleged that they want to impeach Speaker Atilola because of lack of leadership quality, lack of charisma and healthy legislative debate, incompetent leadership, non-payment of three months salaries and other benefits, betrayal of trust, etc.

With the situation on ground, the pro-impeachment lawmakers are16 while the anti-impeachment lawmakers are 15 and if the pro-impeachment lawmakers are allowed to sit, they will succeed in impeaching the speaker as they have the majority.

As at after 10am today, the governor and majority of his executives had not reported to office as the state secretariat was deserted.

—Gbenro Adesina/Ibadan

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